March - April (20)

It was the perfect solution for me. I was on a short trip to Germany, with four cities to visit - Berlin, Erfurt, Nuremberg and Munich. For 21 years, a high-speed train, with these cities, plus Halle as the only stops, has been in the planning. Finally, last year, the necessary 22 tunnels and 29 bridges had been built and the high-speed train, going 186 miles an hour, got under way. The Berlin-Munich high-speed train of a decade ago took six hours. The new train, the ICE Sprinter, whisks its passengers the whole length of the new route in only three hours and 50 minutes. Since it began running in December 2018, twice as many travelers have been taking it as had used the old high-speed line.

Catch a prize trout on my first try? Why not, when conditions for fly fishing are ideal in the cold water that cascades down from Mt. Tremper, rushes over the blue stones of former quarries, creates world-class rapids and the jewel of the Catskill Mountains, Esopus Creek.

A visit to the land that Ibsen immortalized in Peer Gynt takes me deep into the extreme landscape of Norway, from lakes to mountains and through icy forests shrouded in heavy snow. This journey awakens my spirit and provides adventure into the world of mythic inspiration. High in the mountains of the Jotunheimen, the legendary trolls do mischief as Peer Gynt tries to outwit these clever elves in the forested wonderland. This land is full of surprises with trolls and flying reindeer that enhance this epic story where these sprightly creatures thrive and wild animals abound.

Besides being the world's fastest-growing airline for the past few years, Norwegian Air is also the leading foreign airline regularly adding service to the US. With a cost-cutting focus for 2019 and some small adjustments to its US network, the airline's Director of Communications, Anders Lindstrom, says Norwegian will continue to grow its presence in the US, but at a "slower pace to ensure sustainable and profitable growth."

It was 25 years ago this year that the country saw the fall of apartheid, ending centuries of white-only rule, and giving all races the right to vote. The anniversary is officially observed on April 27, 2019, also known as ‘’Freedom Day,’’ a statutory holiday in the country. The year 2019 not only marks this historic event but also ushers in exciting new hotels and lodges, and a cool new initiative from the tourism board in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

In North Africa, just across the Gibraltar Strait from Europe, Morocco is an age-old Islamic kingdom whose roots stretch back twelve centuries. Morocco’s bustling souqs, walled gardens and intricately tiled buildings attract many American visitors, while its favorable exchange rate and modern infrastructure insure good value and comfort.

The noisy old jeep bounces along the road, sending huge flocks of birds and dust flying. Along the road are only rocks and straggly weeds. When the brush becomes thicker, it’s time to seek out the sandstone formations and open fields. Mount Borradaile in Arnhem Land, the top end of Northern Territory, Australia, is a barren place. During dry season, it is dust, but wet season finds it covered with water. Whatever the time of year, there are the birds - over 200 different species of them. This landscape of billabongs (dried riverbed waterholes), flood plains, rainforests and paper back swamps is unique. Those who have been there find it a barren beauty. To the aboriginals, it is a giant supermarket and hardware store.

A first trip to Thailand usually includes a visit to Bangkok’s Royal Palace and the klongs, climbing the 300 steps to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai and some beach time in Phuket. Good introduction, but there is so much more. This time check out some of these sights.

Why Barbados? Because it’s outside the hurricane belt and the tradewinds blow steadily, making the island comfortable year round. Because the sea is turquoise blue, the sandy beaches glistening white, the cuisine sophisticated, the Jacobean mansions and distilleries unique, the wreck diving amazing, and the cruise-ship port is five-minutes (about $6) by taxi to Bridgetown, the capital. And because the island is safe.

Building back better has a dual meaning in the Caribbean as the region continues to rebound from the effects of the deadly and destructive 2017 hurricane season: not only are reconstructed hotels and infrastructure being designed to be more storm-resistant, but many resorts have taken the opportunity to invest in new facilities and amenities to come back even bigger and better than before the storms.